Investigation of the dermal sensitizing potential of traditional medical extracts in local lymph node assays.

Traditional medical extracts are commonly used as complex mixtures, which may contain naturally occurring contact sensitizers. In this investigation, the mice local lymph node assay (LLNA) was performed to evaluate the dermal sensitization potential of Myrrh, Borneolum, Olibanum, Moschus and Cassia Bark, which are widely used in topical traditional medication. In the radioactive LLNA, the stimulation index (SI) values were calculated for each medical extract. Myrrh, Borneolum, Olibanum and Moschus induced dose-dependent cell proliferation and SI was more than 3. Cassia Bark showed no positive response over the range of test concentrations. In the flow cytometry analysis, the total number of CD3(+), CD4(+), and CD8(+) cells in local lymph nodes was increased in Moschus-, Olibanum-, Myrrh- and Borneolum-treated mice. The ratio of the B220(+)/CD3(+) (B/T cell ratio) and the percentage of I-A(k+) cells that was also positive for the CD69 marker (I-A(k+)/ CD69(+)) were increased in the Moschus-, Olibanum- and Myrrh-treated mice. However, no ofbvious change was observed in Borneolum-treated mice. Cassia Bark did not induce changes in the lymphocyte subpopulations. These results indicate that Moschus, Olibanum and Myrrh can be regarded as sensitizers, and Borneolum regarded as an irritant. Cassia Bark is neither a sensitizer nor an irritant. The combination of radioactive and flow cytometric LLNA can be used for the prediction of sensitizing potential of medical extracts which lead to allergic contact dermatitis in humans.

[Toxicity of Caowu on in vitro cultured rat embryos].

OBJECTIVE: To study the developmental toxicity of Caowu and its mechanism on rat embryos. METHODS: Whole embryo culture was applied to test the effects of Caowu on rat embryos during the critical period of organogenesis. All embryos isolated on gestational day 9.5 were exposed to different concentrations of Caowu. The growth and differentiation of the embryos at the end of the 48 h culture period were observed. RESULTS: The embryonic growth and development were adversely affected by Caowu at the concentration of 2.5 mg/mL, which were represented as reduced yolk sac diameters, decreased number of somites, and lower morphological scores. With the increase of the concentrations of Caowu, more severe teratogenic effects appeared, including cardiac defect (undivided cardiac tube and inflated pericardial cavity), irregular somites, and brain malformation such as narrow brain vesicles. CONCLUSION: Caowu has direct embryotoxic effects on rats during the organogenesis period. We suggest that pregnant women in the first trimester use Caowu with cautions before a conclusion has been made.